The Civil Service Commission approved regulation changes that would grant raises to those 5,500 workers, but also allow the administration to furlough them without pay and make changes to overtime rules.

Union leaders complained that Nutter was unfairly including union-represented supervisors in that group. Leaders of Local 2186, a unit in District Council 47 that represents 900 supervisors in city departments, complained that they should be removed from the new regulations until they can have the terms vetted at a public hearing.

“We believe the mayor is using the Civil Service Commission to impose terms,” said Cathy Scott, president of DC 47.

Shannon Farmer, the city’s outside attorney, said the city does not have to bargain with Local 2186 and is only obligated to meet and discuss terms. The city has been trying to negotiate similar terms with the city's blue and white collar unions with little success.

There are several more procedural steps left before these regulations are finalized. Scott said the union would review their options, including taking legal action.